According to AFP, Alyokhina announced her decision via video link during the first day of her parole hearing on Wednesday (May 22), telling a court in Berezniki that she has the right to appear in person.

"I declare a hunger strike and insist on my participation (in court). I forbid my lawyers to take part in the parole hearing until I am brought to court for the parole hearing," she is quoted as saying.

Alyokhina was required to make all her legal submissions via fax, leading to frequent breaks in the hearing. Her bid to have the sitting judge removed was also rejected.

The hearing has been suspended until 5am UK time (10am local time) on Thursday.

Alyokhina's lawyer Irina Khrunova told the news agency: "Her presence in court is needed to have her opinion heard, the video link does not ensure this. The court can hear a parole request without the defense's participation. I will not take part in this process."

A court in central Mordovia declined Tolokonnikova's application for parole last month, accusing her of failing to repent for her actions.

Watch the original Pussy Riot 'punk prayer' video which led to the group's imprisonment below: